Election 2024: Where to Find Free Food and Discounts for Texas Voters in Houston

Vote, and then head to these Houston restaurants and bars for free coffee, pizza, margaritas, hand rolls, ice cream, smash burgers, and more

It’s that time of year again: election season — the period when millions go out to perform one of their most important civic duties. From now through Friday, November 1, 2024, Texans can vote early ahead of official Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, and with so many crucial issues on the ballot this year (in addition to who will be our next U.S. president and Texas senator), many Houston restaurants and bars are offering some rewards and encouragement.

While it’s technically illegal (even if it is nonpartisan) to offer freebies for voting, particularly for a federal candidate, businesses find clever workarounds by offering incentives like discounts or free food or drink in exchange specifically for “I Voted” stickers or opening up deals to everyone. Either way, we’re not the feds. Turn up at the polls. Then, visit these restaurants and bars in the city for a treat.

Check back here for updates as new specials arise. Do you know of any other specials around town? Shoot us a note at houston@eater.com

Free margaritas: All of Hugo Ortega’s restaurants, including Backstreet Cafe, Caracol, Hugo’s, Urbe, and Xochi will offer the James Beard Award-winning chef’s signature Hugorita for those wearing their ‘I Voted” stickers on Election Day. Multiple locations.

Axelrad: Diners can get one free drink proof of their “I Voted” on Election Day. 1517 Alabama Street, Midtown, 77004.

Artechouse: This interactive museum offers Houstonians an Election Day-escape with $10 off admission and can tryout its XR cocktails from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the open bar (no admission to require). Museumgoers can also show their “I Voted” sticker or use code “I VOTED” online to receive $5 off tickets for Artechouse’s first holiday show, the Houston Holiday Spectacular. 600 West 6th Street, Heights, 77007.

Betelgeuse Betelgeuse: This intergalactic pizzeria and cocktail bar will treat those who present an “I Voted” sticker to happy hour prices at any time of day. Deals include $8 select cocktails, $7 32-ounce draft beers, and $6 wines by the glass. 2101 Washington Avenue, 77007; 4500 Montrose Boulevard, Montrose, 77006.

Handies Douzo: From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on November 4 through November 6, diners with the “I Voted” sticker can receive a free spicy tuna handroll at Handies Douzo’s locations in White Oak and Montrose. 3501 White Oak Drive, White Oak, 77007; 4005 Montrose Boulevard, Montrose, 77006.

Home Slice: On November 5, voters can celebrate “dough-mocracy” by trading in their “I Voted” stickers for a free slice of pizza at any Home Slice pizza joint in Austin or Houston. 3701 Travis Street, Midtown, 77002.

Jethro’s: This Montrose cocktail lounge will offer half-priced smash burgers on Election Day for those showing their “I Voted” stickers. 95 Tuam Street, Suite 102, Montrose, 77006.

Kazzan Ramen: Head to this new Heights ramen shop on November 5 with your “I Voted” sticker for free mochi ice cream. 191 Heights Blvd, Heights, 77007.

KP’s Kitchen: Show that voting sticker for one free appetizer or dessert at this American bistro. Diners can also score its diner-favorite KP Burger for $12 every day until Election Day. 8412 Interstate 10 Frontage Road, Spring Branch area, 77024.

Maven Coffee & Cocktails: Both locations of Rex Hospitality’s coffee and cocktail lounges will honor anyone who turns in their “I Voted” sticker with a cup of free drip coffee. 1501 Silver Street, Building B, Sawyer Yards, 77007. 1717 Allen Parkway, Thompson Hotel, 77019.

Swiggard Creative

Piola: Celebrate Election Day with free pizza. Those who show proof of voting or an “I Voted” sticker will receive a free margherita pizza. For dine-in only with drink or food order. 1415 S. Voss Road, Suite 135, Memorial, 77057. 3201 Louisiana Street, Suite 103, Midtown, 77006.

Roma: Diners can cheers to doing their civic duty on Election Day with a free glass of prosecco when they show their “I Voted” sticker at this Italian restaurant. 2347 University Boulevard, Rice Village, 77005.

Star Sailor: Now through November 5, this Heights watering hole will offer free smash burgers to those who show their “I Voted” sticker (one per person). Election Day on November 5 also marks Star Sailor’s Industry Night, which offers those in the service industry happy hour specials from 3 p.m. to close. 1710 West 18th Street, Heights, 77008.

The Union Kitchen: On November 5, all five Union Kitchen locations are offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrees for voters who show an “I Voted” sticker. Dine-only. Multiple locations.

Winnie’s: Up until Election Day, this Downtown hangout will offer $1 daiquiris with the purchase of food when voters show their “I Voted” sticker. 3622 Main Street, Suite A, Downtown, 77002.